Ludwigshafen, Germany – BASF and ThyssenKrupp Uhde have optimised a process to make propylene from propane feedstock. This reduces CO2 emissions and operating costs by up to 30%.
Additionally, it costs less to build the equipment needed to use this process than the conventional routes. The new process also uses 30% less energy than conventional routes, said BASF.
Propylene is a key raw material in the manufacture of propylene oxide, which is a starter for may polyols used commercially to make polyurethanes.
BASF and ThyssenKrupp Uhde started work to develop an updated version of the existing Star technology in 2020. ThyssenKrupp Uhde worked on the process, and BASF validated the improvements through extensive testing